Ruidoso: Post flood

Ruidoso Downs Racetrack suffered damages this weekend due to the severe rains of Hurricane Dolly. Simulcast Wagering is up and running, and the Zia Festival has been tentatively rescheduled for next Saturday afternoon. Executive Director Pat Bingham responds to the flood:

 Dear Horsemen:

Out of very extraordinary and difficult circumstances comes opportunities for renewal and growth. The flooding of Ruidoso Downs and the surrounding communities has presented us with such an opportunity. With a little effort on everyone’s part we should be able to overcome this adversity and move on to a better situation for all. We offer our heartfelt wishes and sympathy to all who have been affected by this event.

Over this weekend, the racing commission, racetracks, breeders and horsemen came together to meet this challenge. At this time we assume that the damage to the infrastructure and racetrack at Ruidoso Downs will be repaired and made safe and that after the work is done the race meet will continue to its end successfully. If, however, the situation at Ruidoso Downs worsens or repairs cannot be made the following is in place:

The management at ZIA Park has agreed to open its barn area early to accommodate any horses that may have to leave Ruidoso Downs due to the flooding. We appreciate this fine gesture from Bill and Rick at ZIA Park.

The Santa Fe Downs training facility is open to all who wish to be stabled there. There is no cost to Horsemen and the facilities and track are in very good condition. We thank Don and Wayne at the DAA and Randy Summers at Santa Fe Downs for their help in this regard. Call Joe Shepard at 505.947.6571 for information on stalls, the racetrack etc..

Presently, the Jr. Arab Horseshow is taking place at the DAA. Because of this, DAA will open its barn area for regular training on August 4, 2008. The track is available for gallops from 5:00 am to 7:00 from now until August 3, 2008 when track hours will be expanded to their regular times.

I am informed that the Tularosa training center is available for those folks who need to work their horses.

Thanks to all the folks who have stepped forward including members of the NMRC and staff. Also thanks to Mr. Payne and his staff at Sunland Park and Rick Baugh and staff at ZIA Park for stepping up with their offer of equipment and material to help repair the damage to the racetrack and backside.

Finally, thanks and best wishes to Anne and her staff at Ruidoso Downs for the work that they have done and are now doing to repair the damage that has been done.

The NMHA is committed to doing whatever is necessary to help out in this difficult time. Please call us at 505.266.7056 if we can help in any way.

Sincerely,

Pat Bingham

NMHA

 

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